Experiencing Global Education through Semester Abroad and Cultural Immersion Programs

The semester exchange or immersion program at any of the partner universities is a worthwhile experience for students as it exposes them to the culture of other countries besides offering them a chance to learn about global issues. Such programs not only help improve academic performance but also develop character and broaden students’ perspectives of other cultures. Anirudh Kataria, a second year BTech CSE student of The NorthCap University, Gurugram says, “I was at Shibaura Institute of Technology (SIT), Tokyo for a short-term program in which I was able to learn much more than just academics. The experiences of learning from two campuses and participating in cultural exchanges helped me to develop a comprehensive perspective on education and learn to appreciate it more. It also meant that everyone had to wear traditional clothes which was a way of emphasizing the need for diversity and ending in team activities such as quizzes and presentations that demonstrated the learning progress”. Ankit Das, a second year BTech CSE student, also went for a summer experience program at Arizona State University, USA. Reflecting on his life he says, “My student exchange was an incredible life-changing experience”. I learnt about myself things that I have never thought of. The experience also taught me how to be independent and emotionally independent. The program was very helpful to me and it transformed me in a big way. The new cultures offered me a new way to see life. I am sure that this investment will be beneficial for all the takers through their entire life.

Semester exchange programs are programs where students enroll in a university in another country for a semester while still registered at their home institution. This is a great chance for students to live in another country and study with students coming from different parts of the world and in addition, take courses that they could not do in their home institutions. Students learn to navigate a new educational environment and become better prepared to face the challenges of the globalized world with a more flexible mentality and the ability to communicate in a foreign environment. Hridyansh Chaudhary is a BTech CSE student of the Spring 2024 batch at The NorthCap University, Gurugram, and is currently pursuing the semester at Sunway University, Malaysia. He also attended immersion program at Esa Ungul University in Indonesia in June 2023. Thinking about this experience, he states: “I learned several things: I was able to meet students from other countries, I was able to see other perspectives, I became a more involved student in every activity, I discovered new places with their unique features”.

Likewise, immersion programs present students with the opportunity to fully experience the culture and language of another country through language courses, cultural events, and other exposure to the country’s way of life. From historical tourist attractions and technological advancements to immersion programs, students are able to learn more about the local culture and lifestyle. Students who have never interacted with people from different cultures also appreciate the fact that they are part of a global community and that their lives are interrelated.

Siya Malik is currently enrolled in a PhD program with the School of Management and Liberal Studies of The NorthCap University in Gurugram, India and also participated in an immersion program at Shibaura Institute of Technology (SIT) in Tokyo, Japan. In her words “The immersion program in Tokyo was one of the most enriching experiences that I had. From interacting with students and teachers at SIT to eating with them and touring the city with them to experiencing some of Japan’s traditions and customs allowed me to gain a deeper appreciation for the Japanese culture and the people themselves that left a lasting impression on my heart”.

Semester exchange and immersion programs offer the advantage of broadening international views and gaining a global outlook. Involvement in other countries’ educational systems, social and value systems exposes students to the necessity to critically think about their own attitudes and views on the world. Students learn to appreciate and understand the unique characteristics of their local community as well as other communities around the world in order to promote mutual respect and understanding.

In addition, semester exchange and immersion programs help to develop global competencies that are required for success in the global economy. Students develop their communication skills, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills by entering new environments, adjusting to new cultural practices, and interacting with people from culturally diverse backgrounds. It not only enhances their academic performance but also equips them with skills to cope with a multicultural world.

Ragni Sharma is a BTech CSE third year student at The NorthCap University, Gurugram and is currently part of a semester exchange program at SIT Japan. She further explains, “Even though COVID-19 had a negative impact on my university’s higher education planning, SIT, Japan semester exchange through my university has been life-changing. Exposure to multicultural classmates has helped me to gain different worldviews and made me friends across the globe. Besides, this experience has not only improved my academic performance but also exposed me to new cultures which has contributed to my ability to be flexible and communicate effectively in other cultures. Additionally, the experience of studying in different systems and using various teaching techniques has helped me to develop a global perspective and cultural awareness that are crucial for the modern world. I personally believe that all these experiences make international education possible for those who are looking for different ways to get ahead and this is a great chance to widen perspectives and get a competitive advantage in the job market. It may seem scary to take that first step and go abroad for studies but that is the first step that puts one closer to his/her dreams and also helps one to gain experiences that will be beneficial in the future.

Thus, semester exchange and immersion programs provide students with a chance to learn how to manage international education and embark on a learning journey that is life-changing. Students learn the importance of going beyond their comfort zones and experiencing new cultures and ways of life; they learn how to communicate and interact with people from different cultural backgrounds; they learn how to think and act as global citizens; and they learn how to appreciate the diversity of the world. Semester exchange and immersion programs remain one of the most effective ways to educate students about the international environment and equip them with skills necessary to live in the globalized world.

Authored By

Prof. Sharda Vashisth
Dy. Dean (International Affairs)
Head – Department of Multidisciplinary Engineering
The NorthCap University
E-mail: shardavashisth@ncuindia.edu
deaninternational@ncuindia.edu

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/dr-sharda-vashisth-23a25021

Broad Research Area: Signal and Image Processing, Biomedical Electronics, Navigation Systems